Palestinians attack Israeli school bus, pound southern Israel

Palestinian terrorists operating out of the Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon launched a barrage of no fewer than 45 missiles, rockets and mortar shells at communities in southern Israel.

In one particularly villainous attack, a Palestinian terrorist fired a shoulder-launched anti-tank missile at an Israeli school bus on the other side of the Gaza security fence. The driver of the bus and a 16-year-old student were both wounded. The young boy remains in critical condition following emergency surgery.

There were no other reports of injuries during the barrage, but widespread damage was caused.

The damage could have been worse. Israel’s newly deployed Iron Dome anti-missile system did manage to intercept at least one medium-range Grad missile fired at the coastal city of Ashkelon. Residents of Ashkelon later recounted the spectacular sight of the interceptor missile destroying the Palestinian missile before it could hit their battered town.

Following the deliberate attacks on Israeli civilians, Hamas and its terrorist allies in Gaza suddenly called for a ceasefire. But Israel was having none of it.